Footwear cleat

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates generally to traction devices for footwear. Cleats are provided that are operable to provide preexisting articles of footwear with enhanced grip, traction and performance. The cleat includes a threaded male extension for interfacing with a preexisting shoe sole and at least one projecting gripping element for contacting or extending toward a ground surface.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application is a Continuation of andclaims the benefit of priority from U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/406,453, filed May 8, 2019, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/668,586, filed May 8, 2018, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to methods, systems and devicesfor footwear. More specifically, various embodiments of the presentdisclosure relate to a threaded insert for selective connection to orinsertion within preexisting footwear. Certain embodiments providegripping elements that are operable to be inserted into and/or combinedwith preexisting footwear and increase the traction, grip, orperformance thereof.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide extensions or cleats with articles of footwear.Some articles of footwear are known to comprise spikes or extensionsthat are formed with or permanently connected to a bottom portion of thearticle, such as those commonly used with certain athletic shoes. Otherknown shoes provide female recesses in a lower portion thereof, and thefemale recesses are operable to selectively receive a spike or cleatwith a male threaded portion. One such device is shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 8,020,322 to McMullin, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Various known devices that comprises a system having a shoe sole with apre-formed female portion or threaded receptacle are relativelydifficult and expensive to manufacture. Additionally, these devices arealso difficult and expensive to manufacture. Additionally, the cleats orspikes that are provided with such systems are useless without thecorresponding shoe and appropriately sized pre-formed receptacle.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there has been a long-felt and unmet need to providemethods, systems and devices of extensions, cleats or gripping elementsthat can be selectively inserted into a preexisting article of footwear,and wherein the article of footwear is not designed for or otherwisespecific to the gripping element(s). As used herein, the terms “cleat”and “gripping element” generally refer to articles that are operable toextend from a lower portion or sole of a shoe to increase traction,friction, grip, and/or performance of a shoe. Although variousembodiments of the present disclosure contemplate an extension orgripping element with a plurality of projections, contact points, ortraction elements, other embodiments contemplate as few as oneprojection wherein a single spike or conical member extends from athreaded portion. Accordingly, no limitation with respect to the shapeor appearance of devices of the present disclosure is provided herewith.Additionally, no limitation with respect to the intended use orapplication of methods and devices of the present disclosure isprovided. Although certain embodiments of the present disclosurecontemplate gripping elements that are well suited for use with golf andprovide enhanced traction and grip on turf and golf courses, the presentdisclosure is not limited to golf or any particular endeavor. Devices ofthe present disclosure are contemplated for use with golf, hiking,fishing, running, everyday use and any other use or purpose in whichincreased traction is desired.

In some embodiments, cleats are provided that are relatively easy andcost-effective to manufacture at least as compared with known devices.In certain embodiments, cleats are formed using an injection moldingprocess. In some embodiments, a two-shot mold is provided wherein afirst portion of a cleat is formed by injecting a first material. Thecleat is fully formed or completed by then injecting a second material.In this manner, a cleat of unitary construction is formed that comprisestwo different materials with two different material properties. Forexample, in some embodiments, a first portion is provided that comprisea threaded male extension and a first hardness. A second portion is thenformed that comprises a plurality of ground-contacting extensions havinga second hardness. In some embodiments, the first hardness is greaterthan the second hardness.

In various embodiments cleat materials and cleats are provided with oneor more colors. The present disclosure contemplates the provision ofdifferent cleats that may be useful for different applications, andwherein an intended use or application is indicated by a color. Forexample, green cleats are contemplated as being provided for use onturf, blue cleats are contemplated as being provided for use on ice,etc.

In some embodiments, a cleat is provided that comprises a first materialand a second material. The first material is provided as a base or coremember and comprises at least a male threaded member for threadablyengaging a shoe (for example). In certain embodiments, the firstmaterial comprises a glass-filled nylon. In some embodiments, theglass-filled nylon comprises between approximately 10% and 50% glass. Inpreferred embodiments, the first material comprises a glass-filled nylonwith 22% glass fill. The first material preferably comprises a shearstrength suitable to withstand at least about three pound-inches oftorque, and more preferably of at least about five pound-inches oftorque. In various embodiments, a second material is provided thatcomprises a hardness that is distinct from the hardness of the firstmaterial. In some embodiments, the second material comprises athermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) with a Shore durometer of betweenapproximately 50 and 150. In some embodiments, the second materialcomprises a TPE with a Shore durometer of about 90.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit for enhancing atleast one of traction and performance of an article of footwear isprovided. In some embodiments, a kit is provided that comprises aplurality of cleats and at least one installation tool. The cleatscomprise a threaded member that is operable for insertion into a shoesole, and the at least one installation tool comprises a screwdriver fortransferring a force to the cleat(s). In some embodiments, the kitfurther comprises a pilot hole tool, and the pilot hole tool comprisesat least one of a pin, a lance, and a fluted bit. In some embodiments,kits comprise packaging (e.g. a box) and information related torecommended installation procedures for the cleats. Such information mayinclude, for example, written directions or information related to awebsite where media and further information may be found.

In various embodiments, cleats of the present disclosure comprise one ormore thermoplastic materials such as polymers and elastomers. In someembodiments, cleats of the present disclosure are devoid of metals. Inalternative embodiments, cleats are provided that comprise a metal orferrous material. For example, in some embodiments, cleats are providedwherein at least one of a threaded male extension, a gripping elementand a base portion are provided that comprise a steel. Such embodimentsmay be useful, for example, for providing traction on ice and rock.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate a malethreaded portion with a hardness and overall geometry that are operableto be threaded directly into a preexisting shoe soles of variousdifferent materials and properties. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure contemplate that a user may apply cleats of the presentdisclosure by simply applying a normal force and a torque to the cleatto threadably insert the cleat into the sole of the shoe and penetratethe shoe sole material. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that ascrewdriver or similar tool is operable to apply or transfer a force tothe cleat to secure the cleat to a shoe. In further embodiments, it iscontemplated that a pilot hole is needed or preferable. In suchembodiments, a pilot hole tool is provided that is provided to form apilot hole in a shoe sole prior to insertion of a cleat. In variousembodiments, pilot holes of the present disclosure are contemplated ascomprising at least one of a needle, a punch, and a fluted bit.

In various embodiments, devices of the present disclosure compriseself-tapping devices that are operable to extend into a preexistingarticle of footwear that is devoid of a preformed female aperture. Asused herein, the term “self-tapping” refers to a devices ability to boreor thread into a surface or object. Devices of the present disclosuremay, but do not necessarily, create a permanent female aperture in thesurface or object to which they are secured. For example, in someembodiments, it is contemplated that threaded male extensions of thepresent disclosure can self-tap a shoe sole that is initially providedwithout apertures in the sole. This self-tapping does not necessarilycomprise or include the formation of a permanent threaded femaleaperture.

In one embodiment, a cleat is provided that is operable to beselectively secured to a preexisting article of footwear and wherein thepreexisting article of footwear is initially devoid of apertures in thesole. The cleat comprises a first portion comprising a first hardnessand a second portion comprising a second hardness. The first portioncomprises a threaded male extension that is operable to engage a portionof an article of footwear. The second portion comprises a plurality ofextensions that are operable to contact a ground surface, and whereineach of the plurality of extensions extend away from the male extension.A shelf portion is provided, and the male extension extends in a firstdirection away from the shelf portion and the plurality of extensionsextend in a second direction away from the shelf portion. In someembodiments, the first hardness is greater than the second hardness.

In another embodiment, a cleat is provided that is operable to beselectively secured to a preexisting article of footwear. The cleatcomprises a base member comprising a shelf portion and a threaded maleextension extending in a first direction away from the shelf portion,the threaded male extension being operable to engage a portion of anarticle of footwear. A plurality of extensions is provided that areoperable to contact a ground surface, and each of the plurality ofextensions extend away from the shelf portion in a second direction. Atool interface is provided that is operable to receive a tool forinsertion and interconnection of the cleat to an article of footwear. Insome embodiment, the cleat comprises a thermoplastic.

In various embodiments, methods of forming cleats are provided. In oneembodiment, a method of forming a cleat for selective interconnection toan article of footwear is provided. The method comprises molding a firstportion of the cleat by injecting a first material into a mold, and thefirst portion comprises a threaded male extension. The first material isallowed to cool. A second portion of the cleat is formed by injecting asecond material into the mold, and the second portion comprises aplurality of extensions extending in a direction substantially oppositefrom the male extension. The second material is allowed to cool, and thecleat is ejected from the mold.

Various embodiments and methods of the present disclosure contemplatethe use or provision of an adhesive to secure one or more cleats to ashoe sole. Although various embodiments contemplate that sufficientconnection and bonding is achieved by purely mechanical features asshown and described herein, it is contemplated that some embodimentprovide or benefit from an adhesive. Devices of the present disclosureare contemplated for use with various different articles of footwear andwith soles of various different materials. Applicant has determined thatin certain applications, it is desirable to provide an adhesive on atleast one of a male threaded portion and a bottom portion of a cleat toenhance a bond or connection between a cleat and an article of footwear.

The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations areneither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, otherembodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or incombination, one or more of the features set forth above or described indetail below.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein,are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B,and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “oneor more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B,and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be usedinterchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.§ 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shallcover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all ofthe equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts andthe equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summaryof the invention, brief description of the drawings, detaileddescription, abstract, and claims themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the Summary given above and the Detailed Description ofthe drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of theseembodiments. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the invention or that render other details difficult toperceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, thatthe invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated herein. Additionally, it should be understood that thedrawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleat according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a cleat according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a cleat according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a cleat according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cleat according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cleat according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of a cleat according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a cleat according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the cleat according to the embodiment ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a cleat and related features accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a top plan view of a cleat according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is an elevation view of the cleat according to the embodimentof FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is an exploded elevation view of the cleat according to theembodiment of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is an exploded elevation view of a cleat according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a partial cut-away view of the embodiment of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a cleat according to another embodimentof the present disclosure.

Similar components and/or features may have the same reference label.Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished byfollowing the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among thesimilar components. If only the first reference label is used, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components havingthe same first reference label irrespective of the second referencelabel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure have significant benefits across abroad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that thisspecification be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spiritof the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to belimiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to thespecific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in thepertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, apreferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated forputting the invention into practice is described herein by, and withreference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of thespecification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail withoutattempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications inwhich the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodimentsdescribed herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to thoseskilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scopeand spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleat 2 according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. As shown, the cleat 2 comprises a male extension4 and an opposing gripping portion 6. In the depicted embodiment, themale extension 4 comprises a threaded member with external threads 8 forselectively inserting at least a portion of the cleat 2 into a shoe sole(for example, and not shown in FIG. 1). The male extension extends aboveand from a base member. The gripping portion 6 comprises a plurality ofextensions 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, five extensions 10 areprovided. The extensions 10 generally comprise pressure points that areoperable to contact or extend into a ground surface and provide enhancedtraction for a shoe when the device 2 is secured to a shoe. Althoughfive extensions 10 are shown in FIG. 1, no limitation with respect tothe number or shape of extensions 10 is provided. For example, it iscontemplated that the cleat 2 comprises only a single extension and/orthe extension(s) comprise a pointed tip or spike.

Cleats of the present disclosure are contemplated as being operable toconnect, attach, and/or be secured to various different preexistingarticles of footwear. For example, cleats 2 of the present disclosureare contemplated as being sold or provided as aftermarket parts oraccessories for attachment to preexisting shoes and footwear. The cleat2 of FIG. 1 comprises a tool interface 12. The tool interface 12 of FIG.1 comprises a receiving portion for a Phillips head screwdriver.However, other tool interfaces are contemplated. For example, in someembodiments a single slot is provided as the tool interface 12 such thatforce may be applied to the cleat 2 by a simple object (e.g. a coin orkey).

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the cleat 2 of the embodiment of FIG. 1.Various features shown and described with respect to FIG. 1 are shown inFIG. 2, and the discussion related to FIG. 1 is incorporated byreference. As shown in FIG. 2, the cleat 2 comprises a shelf portion 16.A plurality of angled projections, ramps or anti-reverse tabs 14 areprovided on the shelf. The tabs 14 are operable to extend into and/orcontact a shoe sole when the cleat 2 is inserted into the sole and thetabs 14 prevent or reduce a reverse or removal rotation of the cleat 2.The male extension 4 extends from the shelf portion 16. In someembodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2, the male extension 4 comprises afillet 15 or similar stress-concentrator. The fillet 15 comprises anarea of enhanced strength to prevent or reduce the risk that the maleextension 4 becomes sheared off from a remainder of the cleat 2.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the cleat 2 according to the embodimentof FIGS. 1-2. As shown, the cleat 2 comprises a plurality of extensions10 operable to extend toward or into a ground surface. The extensions 10comprise five evenly and geometrically spaced extensions. A toolreceiving interface 12 is provided and is substantially centered in thecleat 2.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the cleat 2 according to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3. As shown, a flange or shelf portion 16 is provided. Aplurality of anti-rotation tabs 14 extend above the shelf portion 16.Although four anti-rotation tabs 14 are shown, alternative embodimentscontemplate and provide one or more tabs 14. In some embodiments, notabs are provided.

FIGS. 5-6 are perspective views of the cleat 2 according to theembodiment of FIGS. 1-4. As shown, the male extension 4 comprises anexternal thread 8. The male extension 4 further comprises a flute 18.The flute 18 is provided to facilitate the insertion of the maleextension and initiate a threading or tapping of the male extension 4into a shoe sole (for example). The male extension 4 further comprisesat least one reinforcing rib 20 operable to provide structural supportand stability to the male extension 4.

FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of the cleat 2 according to theembodiment of FIG. 6. The cut-away is taken at line A-A of FIG. 6 toreveal a cross-sectional shape of the male extension 4. As discussed,the male extension 4 of the depicted embodiment comprises at least onereinforcing rib 20. The reinforcing rib 20 is provided to increase thestrength and functionality of the male extension and increasesresistance to shear and bending stresses such as those that may beexperienced during installation and use of the cleat 2. As shown, aplurality of reinforcing ribs 20 are provided in FIG. 7. The ribs areevenly spaced about a circumference of the male extension 4. Thereinforcing ribs 20 of the depicted embodiment comprise a contoured orrounded leading edge 22 and a shelf 24. The leading edge 22 is operableto allow for the cleat 2 and male extension 4 to be threaded into a shoesole (for example) without significantly impeding rotation. The shelf 24is provided and comprises a flat surface for contacting a materialwithin which the device is inserted. Accordingly, the reinforcing ribsprovide enhanced structural stability to the male extension(s) 4 andfurther provide resistance to reverse (i.e. removal) rotation of thecleat 2. The reinforcing ribs comprise a fillet 15 or similar expansionmember at an intersection or interconnection with the shelf portion 16of the cleat 2.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, cleats 2 are providedthat are contemplated as being permanent or semi-permanent featuresafter the cleats are installed in a shoe. In alternative embodiments,cleats 2 are contemplated as being selectively insertable and removable.For example, cleats of some embodiments are contemplated as beingselectively inserted into an article of footwear for a particularactivity (e.g. a round of golf) and selectively removed after theactivity has concluded (e.g. to return the footwear to normal use). Itis contemplated that various embodiments of the present disclosure aretherefore provided without anti-reverse features or locking features.For example, in some embodiments, cleats 2 are provided that are devoidof anti-reverse tabs 14 and do not comprise reinforcing ribs 20 having ashelf 24 for preventing reverse rotation.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a cleat 2 according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the cleat 2 ofFIG. 8. As shown, the cleat comprises various features already shown anddescribed herein including, for example, a threaded male extension 4 anda plurality of projections 10. The embodiment of FIGS. 9-10 comprises afirst portion 30 and a second portion 32. The first portion 30 generallycomprises a portion of the device 2 that is intended and operable to beprovided in contact with and/or adjacent to an article of footwear. Thesecond portion 32 comprises a portion of the device 2 that is intendedto contact and/or be provided proximal to a ground surface. In someembodiments, a first portion 30 is provided comprising a first hardness,and a second portion 32 is provided comprising a second hardness. Insome embodiments, the first hardness is greater than the second hardnessand wherein the first portion comprises a material and a hardness thatis suitable for threadingly engaging a shoe sole and the second portioncomprises a material and a hardness that is suitable for contacting aground surface (turf, for example). The cleat 2 therefore comprises aplurality of materials. In some embodiments, cleats comprising multiplematerials are formed using a two-shot molding process. Preferably, thematerial used for the first portion 30 and the material used for thesecond portion 32 are complementary materials that are operable to forma molecular bond. An interface 34 is provided between the first portion30 and the second portion 32. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the interface34 comprises a contoured interface with greater surface area than astraight-line interface (e.g. a butt joint). The contoured interface 34comprise a greater bonding strength between the first portion 30 and thesecond portion 32.

In various embodiments, methods of forming a cleat 2 are provided. Insome embodiments, the method comprising injecting a first material intomold to shape a first portion 30. A second, softer material isthereafter injected in a two-shot molding operation. In preferredembodiments, a tool interface is formed in the second material duringthe molding process.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a cleat 2 and associated installationtool 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Invarious embodiments of the present disclosure, kits are provided thatcomprise a plurality of cleats 2 and a tool 40 for installing thecleat(s). A preexisting article of footwear 50 is shown in FIG. 10. Thearticle 50 comprises a known shoe having a soft or flexible upper 52 anda sole 54. The sole is contemplated as comprising rubber, but devices ofthe present disclosure are not limited to shoes having a sole of anyparticular material. In various embodiments, it is contemplated that oneor more cleats 2 as shown and described herein are selectively insertedinto an article of footwear 50 by simply applying at least one of anormal force and a torque to the cleat 2 via an installation tool 40.The cleat 2 preferably comprises a male threaded portion 4 of apredetermined height extending above a shelf portion 16. The shelfportion 16 provides various benefits including a support structure andplatform for the extensions 10. The shelf portion 16 also comprises aphysical stop wherein the shelf portion 16 and the male extension 4 aresized such that the shelf portion contacts the shoe sole 54 and preventsthe male extension 4 from extending through the sole 54 and into aninterior volume of the shoe 50.

FIGS. 11A-11C depict a cleat 60 according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the cleat 60 comprises a self-tappingcleat for attachment to articles of footwear. The cleat 60 comprises agripping portion 62 with a plurality of extensions 68. A tool interface66 is provided on a lower portion of the cleat 60 that is operable toassist with inserting and threading the cleat into footwear. A maleextension 64 is provided that extends from the cleat 60 and generallycomprises a male threaded member comprising external threads. In theembodiment of FIGS. 11A-11C, the male extension 64 comprises a metal.For example, in various embodiments including that shown in FIGS.11A-11C, a male extension 64 is provided that comprises a steel. Incertain embodiments, the tool interface 66 and the male extension 64comprise a unitary component comprising metal that is secured to thegripping portion 62 by an adhesive or other known connection means. Inother embodiments, the male extension 64 comprise a different materialand/or component relative to the tool interface 66. For example, it iscontemplated that the gripping portion 62 and the tool interface 66comprise plastic or elastomer elements, and the male extension comprisesa metal or ferrous material. Metals for use in embodiments of thepresent disclosure include, but are not limited to, various steels andsteel alloys, titanium, aluminum, and other metals. Preferably, howeverthe male extension 64 comprises a hardness that is sufficient to allowthe cleat 60 to self-tap into various sole of footwear.

FIG. 12A is an elevation view of a cleat 60 according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cleat 60 comprises agripping portion 62 comprising a first material and a first malethreaded extension 64 comprising a second material. The gripping portion62 comprises a second threaded extension 70 that is operable tocommunicate with the first male threaded extension 64. As shown in FIG.12B, which is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleat 60 of FIG.12A, the first male threaded extension 64 comprises a threaded femaleaperture 72 that receives the second threaded extension 70. In theembodiment of FIGS. 12A-12B, the threads of the first male threadedextension 64 and the second threaded extension 70 are both contemplatedas comprising right-hand threads. In some embodiments, adhesive isfurther provided to secure the gripping portion and the first malethreaded extension 64 and to enable extraction or removal of the cleat60 without the gripping portion 62 being un-threaded from the first malethreaded extension 64 and leaving the first male threaded extension 64in a shoe sole. The embodiment of FIGS. 12A-12B is contemplated ascomprising a metal or ferrous first male threaded extension 64 and aplastic or elastomer gripping portion 62.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a cleat 60 according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cleat 60 comprises agripping portion 62 comprising a first material and a first malethreaded extension 64 comprising a second material. A fastener 80 isprovided that is operable to communicate with the first male threadedextension 64 and the gripping portion 62. As shown in FIG. 13, which isa partial cross-sectional view of the cleat 60, the first male threadedextension 64 comprises a threaded female aperture 72 that receives thefastener 80 to secure the first male threaded extension 64 and theremainder of the cleat 60. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the threads ofthe first male threaded extension 64 and the fastener 80 are bothcontemplated as comprising right-hand threads. In some embodiments,adhesive is further provided to secure the gripping portion, fastener 80and the first male threaded extension 64 and to enable extraction orremoval of the cleat 60 without the gripping portion 62 beingun-threaded from the first male threaded extension 64 and leaving thefirst male threaded extension 64 in a shoe sole. The embodiment of FIG.13 is contemplated as comprising a metal or ferrous first male threadedextension 64 and a plastic or elastomer gripping portion 62. Thefastener 80 is contemplated as comprising various materials including,but not limited to stainless steel, and may be secured to the first malethreaded extension 64 by a tool 82.

A shelf portion of the gripping portion 62 preferably contacts anunderside of a flange or head of the fastener 80 to secure thecomponents of the cleat 60 together in compression. As one of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate, the cleat 60 of the embodiment of FIG.13 comprises a device that can be selectively inserted into a shoe sole(for example), and the gripping portion 62 comprises a modular elementthat can be removed and replaced. For example, the harder and preferablymetallic first male threaded extension 64 can be allowed to remain in ashoe sole, and the plastic or elastomer gripping portion 62 withprojections for contacting a ground surface (and may be prone to wear)can be removed without complete removal of all components of the cleatfrom a shoe.

Various features and components described with respect to certainembodiments are contemplated as being combined and provided with otherembodiments, even if such combinations are not specifically disclosed orreferenced. For example, the anti-reverse tabs 14 are contemplated asbeing provided with the embodiment of FIG. 13, even if such a specificcombination of features is not shown.

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that thedetailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does notdescribe every possible embodiment since describing every possibleembodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternativeembodiments could be implemented, using either current technology ortechnology developed after the filing date of this patent, which wouldstill fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any termrecited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in thispatent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done forsake of clarity so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intendedthat such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to thatsingle meaning.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, referencesmade herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should beunderstood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention andshould not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to aparticular description. It is to be expressly understood that suchmodifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for modifying a preexisting article offootwear, comprising: a plurality of cleats operable to be selectivelysecured to a preexisting article of footwear, each cleat of theplurality of cleats comprising: a first portion formed from a firstmaterial, the first portion comprising a male extension having anexternal thread and a distal point to facilitate insertion of the firstportion into a sole of a preexisting article of footwear, the firstportion further comprising a shelf, wherein the male extension extendsin a first direction away from the shelf, a second portion formed from asecond material, the second portion comprising a plurality of extensionsthat are operable to contact a ground surface, wherein each of theplurality of extensions extend in a second direction; and a toolinterface operable to receive a tool; a tool operable to apply a forceto the cleat during the insertion of the first portion into the sole ofthe preexisting article of footwear via the tool interface; and anadhesive operable to bond the cleat to the preexisting article offootwear, wherein the adhesive is applicable to at least one surface ofthe cleat.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tool interface isrecessed within the cleat.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the toolinterface is accessible via an aperture within the second portion. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applicable to at leastone surface of the male extension prior to the male extension beinginserted into the sole of the preexisting article of footwear.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applicable to at least aportion of a surface of the shelf, wherein the at least a portion of thesurface of the shelf is operable to contact the sole of the footwearwhen the cleat is inserted within the sole of the footwear.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: packaging with informationincluding installation procedures for the plurality of cleats.
 7. Acleat operable to be selectively secured to a preexisting article offootwear, the cleat comprising: a first portion formed from a firstmaterial, the first portion comprising a male extension having anexternal thread and a distal point to facilitate insertion of the firstportion into a sole of a preexisting article of footwear, the firstportion further comprising a shelf, wherein the male extension extendsin a first direction away from the shelf, a second portion formed from asecond material, the second portion comprising a plurality of extensionsthat are operable to contact a ground surface, wherein each of theplurality of extensions extend in a second direction; and a toolinterface operable to receive a tool, the tool operable to apply a forceto the cleat via the tool interface during the insertion of the firstportion into the sole of the preexisting article of footwear.
 8. Thecleat of claim 7, wherein the tool interface is recessed within theshelf.
 9. The cleat of claim 7, wherein the tool interface is accessiblevia an aperture within the second portion.
 10. The cleat of claim 7,wherein at least a portion of a surface of the shelf is operable tocontact the sole of the footwear when the cleat is inserted within thesole of the footwear.
 11. The cleat of claim 10, wherein at least onesurface of the cleat is operable to receive an adhesive, wherein theadhesive is operable to bond the cleat to the preexisting article offootwear.
 12. The cleat of claim 11, wherein the adhesive is applicableto at least one surface of the male extension prior to the maleextension being inserted into the sole of the preexisting article offootwear.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the adhesive is applicableto at least a portion of a surface of the shelf, wherein the at least aportion of the surface of the shelf is operable to contact the sole ofthe footwear when the cleat is inserted within the sole of the footwear.14. The cleat of claim 13, wherein the second portion includes a surfacewhich is operable to contact the sole of the footwear when the cleat isinserted within the sole of the footwear.
 15. The cleat of claim 13,wherein the second direction in which each of the plurality ofextensions extend is offset by at least ninety degrees from the firstdirection.
 16. The cleat of claim 13, wherein an interface between thefirst portion and the second portion comprises a contoured interface toincrease surface area between the first portion and the second portion.17. The cleat of claim 13, wherein the first material has a higherdegree of hardness than the second material.
 18. The cleat of claim 17,wherein the first material is a metal, and wherein the second materialis a thermoplastic elastomer with a Shore durometer hardness of betweenapproximately 80 and approximately
 100. 19. The cleat of claim 17,wherein the first material is a glass-filled nylon, and wherein thesecond material is a thermoplastic elastomer with a Shore durometerhardness of between approximately 80 and approximately
 100. 20. Thecleat of claim 19, wherein the glass-filled nylon comprises at leastabout 20% glass by volume.